So that's how it was.
In that instant, Yozora understood everything.
No wonder Charmander had wanted that top-grade Thunder Stone so badly from the very beginning.
And yet—even knowing this—Yozora didn't regret his decision.
So what if the initial power was a little weaker? Did that really matter?If strength could be honed through effort alone, then why waste such a priceless gemstone?
…
Besides—
Yozora had a feeling. If a mid-grade stone could unlock a move, then surely even a low-grade one could do the same.The only difference was that the initial power would be weaker.
If that was true, then providing Charmander with mid-grade stones for move development was already plenty generous.
…
Yozora's next destination was Vermilion City, to challenge the Vermilion Gym.
Having watched the original anime, he knew Ash's three starter Pokémon were all obtained in this area…
But Yozora had no intention of stealing Ash's fortune.
As it turned out, he didn't even need to worry about that—he hadn't encountered a single one of them. Not Charmander, not Squirtle, not Bulbasaur.
That alone proved how strong Ash's protagonist aura truly was. Those three gifted starters were tailored for him alone; no one else could touch them.
Fine.
Since that was the case, Yozora gave up the search and pressed forward more quickly.
"Help! Somebody help me!"
Suddenly, a desperate cry for help came from deep within the forest.
Yozora and Charmander exchanged a glance before rushing toward the sound. Moments later, Yozora spotted two men in black Team Rocket uniforms.
They were armed with guns and chasing a Clefairy.
"They actually have guns?"
Yozora frowned. Truly befitting the infamous Team Rocket—to brandish firearms in broad daylight.
Even if they were only tranquilizer guns, mishandling them could still cost lives.
The sight made Yozora think of his father—a police officer who had died in the line of duty while arresting a criminal.
That man hadn't been Team Rocket, but a Pokémon poacher.
To Yozora, there was no difference. Team Rocket, Pokémon hunters—they were all the same scum, all equally deserving of death.
And these two in particular—he could feel it. Their Aura was pitch-black, tainted with the weight of countless lives.
Judging by their uniforms, they weren't ordinary grunts either. They were Elite Members of Team Rocket.
Team Rocket's forces were vast, divided into three ranks under Giovanni and the Executives.
The first were the ordinary members—mere fodder.
The second were the higher-ranked members. Jessie and James fell into this category: people with connections but not enough strength to rise further. They could command grunts, but little more.
The third were the Elite Members—the organization's true core. Cold, ruthless, decisive. They handled missions far beyond the scope of common tasks.
"Young man, please—help me!"
Yozora's sharp gaze stayed locked on the two Elites. And then—he froze.
The Clefairy had spoken.
Not through Aura, not through some hidden signal—its mouth had moved, and human words had come out!
That was shocking beyond belief.
So it wasn't just Meowth of Team Rocket's trio—there were other Pokémon in this world capable of speech!
"Hey, kid," one of the Rockets sneered, waving his gun threateningly. "We're on official Team Rocket business. Hand over the Clefairy if you don't want trouble."
Clefairy clung tightly to Yozora's back like a drowning man to a straw.
The Elites didn't rush, though. They simply waved their weapons with open menace, fully confident in their threat.
Yozora narrowed his eyes. How could he possibly submit?
Sensing his fury, Charmander didn't wait for a command. It opened its mouth and unleashed a burst of flame at the two men.
Boom!
The fire roared toward them. Shocked, they barely dodged aside, cold killing intent flashing in their eyes.
In all their years in Team Rocket, they had never met such an insolent brat. If that was how he wanted it—then he could die here!
Bang!
One of them raised his gun and fired.
The bullet whistled through the air—
But Yozora simply raised a hand. Aura surged within him.
In the next moment, a shimmering blue barrier appeared around his body, effortlessly deflecting the bullet.
Yozora was a natural-born Aura Guardian, his inner power extraordinary.
At first, he hadn't been very skilled in its use. But after many days of practice, he could now easily conjure Aura Spheres and protective shields.
Aura Sphere carried overwhelming attack power. The shield provided an unbreakable defense. Against mere bullets? They couldn't even scratch it.
"What?!"
The two men gaped, stunned.
"Well, well," one muttered. "An Aura Guardian. No wonder you dare meddle in Team Rocket's affairs…" Their lips curled into eerie smiles.
They holstered their guns and each sent out a Pokémon.
"Go, Golbat!"
"Your turn, Graveler!"
As expected of Elite Members, both their Pokémon were Senior-level.
Still, only at the entry stage.
"Golbat, use Screech!" the first ordered immediately.
The bat Pokémon let out an ear-piercing cry that spread outward in waves.
Yozora, Charmander, and even the Clefairy behind them all cried out in pain, covering their ears.
"Heh… Graveler, now's your chance! Use Tackle!"
The boulder Pokémon rolled forward with terrifying momentum, aiming to crush Yozora and his Pokémon.
So they wanted a two-on-two battle? Against villains like this, Yozora had no reason to hold back.
Gritting his teeth against the Screech, he threw another Poké Ball."Psyduck, use Hydro Pump!"
Boom!
The shining blue torrent blasted forth, striking Graveler with explosive force and sending the massive rock flying through the air.
It crashed to the ground, unconscious in a single blow.
"Graveler?!" its trainer gasped. He couldn't believe it.
That Graveler weighed over a hundred kilos—yet a single Psyduck had blown it away like paper?
And that Psyduck… it was a Shiny Psyduck?!
"Charmander, Flamethrower!"
While the Rockets were reeling, Yozora gave his next command.
Flames roared out, engulfing Golbat in a blazing torrent and slamming it to the ground, defeated.
The two Elites were dumbstruck. How could this be? To them, Yozora was just a boy—yet he had this much power?
"A legendary Aura Guardian, remarkable talent as a Trainer, and even a rare Shiny Pokémon…"
"…Such excellence. He's too valuable—I almost feel bad killing him."
"Ha ha ha!"
The two exchanged a manic laugh. Without even glancing at their fallen Pokémon, they sent out their next combatants.
A Gengar and a Fearow.
…
…
(End of Chapter)